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Actor, choreographer and dancer, Pacou Mutombo, aims to inspire other young talent

Pacou Mutombo (32) was recently chosen as the lead actor in the proudly South African 16-part series, Jongo, playing the role of ‘Eli King’, Africa’s first superhero. The show debuted on e.tv on 19 April 2016 and airs weekly on Tuesday evenings at 20h30.

While rehearsing a dance routine with a crew of other young and talented performers he was discovered by Michelle Combrinck, CEO and founder of the Zinto Marketing Group (Zinto), a brand activation and entertainment agency based in Linbro Park, Sandton.

As the company creates brand excitement via the arts, Combrinck offered him an opportunity to audition as a dancer with the potential of becoming a roadshow performer. He impressed and joined the world of brand activation.

After presenting his talent to Combrinck several years ago, he used his flair as a dancer and MC to make brands come to life on stage by imparting key marketing messages through branded entertainment.

Since Pacou’s earlier days as a brand activator, he has choreographed dance routines for SABC 1’s So You Think You Can Dance (SA) and e.tv’s Step Up or Step Out.

As a role model, Pacou is now using his talent to inspire the youth to use the power of performance art and dance to demonstrate that perseverance and positive thinking can provide the opportunity to fulfil your potential, purpose and passion.

One of Pacou’s proudest achievements is the formation of Rogue Crew, a dance ensemble hailing from Glenvista south of Johannesburg, his vision to inspire dance as a passage for self-expression is one that is shared by his crew members; Stacey Sham (25), Warren Wood (23) and Michaela de Oliveira (21). The crew’s dance style is a blend of dynamic and unusual hip-hop transitions infused with Sbhujwa and Pantsula movements.

Combrinck has enormous passion and commitment for creating employment among the youth, especially those with a talent in the arts where her company, Zinto, can utilise their skills on a commercial basis, and has made a commitment to develop promising performers and provide them with the necessary platforms to kick start their careers.

Pacou is following in her footsteps by spreading Combrinck’s message further and wider and creating a continuum by becoming an ambassador for many wannabee talented young individuals.

“Not only does dance provide exercise and develop motor skills, it also teaches focus, discipline and social skills to the youth. Dance instils confidence, promotes self-esteem, and helps to channel anger and boredom in a positive way,” says Mutombo.

However, the dance industry needs the on-going support of business to invest in talented youth. There are numerous opportunities to showcase and support performing art as part of its corporate investment, social responsibility programmes and to forge strategic sponsorships thereby putting talent to work.